Removable grab handle assembly for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

According to some embodiments, an assembly configured to be removably secured to an exposed structural component of a vehicle (e.g., a rollbar) comprises a cover assembly configured to secure to the exposed structural component of the vehicle, a hand grip configured to pass through at least a portion of the cover assembly and hand below the cover assembly, wherein the hand grip is configured to be grasped by a user, and at least one tool-receiving member configured to secure to the cover assembly.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/626,062 filed Jun. 16, 2017, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/351,502, filed Jun. 17, 2016. Theentireties of both of the foregoing priority applications are herebyincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND Field

This application relates generally to accessories for vehicles, and morespecifically, to accessories for vehicles with exposed,factory-installed and/or aftermarket exposed internal cage structuresand various tools, devices, systems and methods related thereto.

Description of the Related Art

Certain vehicles, especially offroad-style vehicles, have hand grips toensure safe entry and exit and to provide a grasping portion for thedriver and/or other occupants while driving. A need exists for improvedhand grip assembly designs that provide additional benefits andadvantages to users.

SUMMARY

According to some embodiments, an assembly configured to be removablysecured to an exposed structural component of a vehicle (e.g., arollbar, roll cage, etc.) comprises a cover assembly configured tosecure to the exposed structural component of the vehicle, a hand gripconfigured to pass through at least a portion of the cover assembly andhand below the cover assembly, wherein the hand grip is configured to begrasped by a user, and at least one tool-receiving member configured tosecure to the cover assembly.

According to some embodiments, the cover assembly comprises a hook andloop portion for securing to the exposed structural component of thevehicle. In some embodiments, the at least one tool-receiving membercomprises a pouch, a recess, a slot and/or any other stowage or storagedevice or member.

According to some embodiments, the at least one tool-receiving member isremovably secured to the cover assembly. In some embodiments, the atleast one tool-receiving member is secured to the cover assembly using ahook and loop system, at least one button and/or other fastener and/orthe like.

According to some embodiments, a system is configured to incorporate areleasably attached grab handle and an integrated cover system for oneor more tools or implements which releasably attaches to the roll bar ofa vehicle.

According to some embodiments, a system comprises a releasably attachedgrab handle that passes through an integrated cover surface, areleasably attached main cover and stowage surface that generally coversan area of the exposed vehicle component that is adjacent to and withinreach of an occupant of the vehicle, wherein the main cover comprises atleast one opening through which the grab handle passes.

According to some embodiments, a system comprises a releasably attachedroll cage cover which incorporates one or more of the following: aprovision for incorporating a grab handle that passes through the coversurface, at least one integrated stowage pouch, with or without a cover,at least one hook and loop field for securing releasably attachedpatches, or placards, and an integrated pouch for stowage of a knife,flashlight, e-tool, multitool, or other similar-sized implement.

According to some embodiments, a system configured to secure to acomponent of a vehicle comprises a removable grab handle configured tosecure to a component of a vehicle, and a cover configured to bepositioned at least partially around the grab handle, the covercomprising at least one opening, wherein the grab handle is configuredto pass through the at least one opening of the cover, wherein the grabhandle and the cover, and thus the system, is configured to beselectively removed and attached to the component of the vehicle in oneor a plurality of locations, wherein the cover comprises at least oneattachment surface, the at least one attachment surface configured toremovably or permanently secure at least one attachment member.

According to some embodiments, the at least one opening of the covercomprises two openings. In other embodiments, the cover comprises one,two, three, four, more than four openings. In some embodiments, the grabhandle is configured to secure to the component of the vehicle using ahook and loop system.

According to some embodiments, the cover is configured to secure to thecomponent of the vehicle and around the grab handle using a hook andloop system. In some embodiments, the component of the vehicle comprisesa rollbar, a portion of a roll cage and/or any other structural ornon-structural component or portion of the vehicle.

According to some embodiments, the at least one attachment surface ofthe cover comprises at least one of a hook and a loop surface of a hookand loop system. In some embodiments, the at least one attachmentsurface of the cover comprises a magnetic surface or component to whichcorresponding members can be removable secured. In some embodiments, theattachment member configured to secure to the at least one attachmentsurface comprises one or more of the following: a pouch, an elasticband, another band or field, another stowage or storage member, anidentification badge and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentapplication are described with reference to drawings of certainembodiments, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, thevarious inventions disclosed herein. It is to be understood that theattached drawings are for the purpose of illustrating concepts andembodiments of the present application and may not be to scale.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a grab handleassembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a grab handleassembly according to another embodiment;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a side view of a grab handle assemblyaccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a grab handle assemblyaccording to another embodiment

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a side view of a grab handle assemblyaccording to another embodiment; and

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a side view of a grab handle assemblyaccording to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain motor vehicles are equipped with exposed internal cages andother exposed structures, such as roll bars, roll cages and the like,for the protection of the occupant(s) in a roll-over scenario and/or forone or more other purposes or reasons. Such exposed roll bar and cagesare most prevalent in offroad-style vehicles, such as, for example,certain Jeep models. These vehicles are often fitted with factory, oraftermarket accessories, such as larger tires, lift kits, etc., whichnecessitate a grab handle to assist in entry into the vehicle. In someembodiments, a grab handle may also be used as a stabilizer for theoccupants while traveling on uneven or rocky trails.

Additionally, certain tools and implements can provide benefits andassistance during some on, and off-highway driving conditions. Examplesinclude, for example, flashlights, emergency extract, egress tools(e-tools), multitools and/or other implements. Several embodiments existfor stowage or storage of individual tools and implements, and someembodiments exist that may be modified to releasably attach to the rollcage of the vehicle. However, existing embodiments of such tools aretypically singular in their function, and do not address a system thatspecifically includes the incorporation of an integrated grab handle,and a method for storage or stowage of tools and implements.

Several embodiments described herein include systems that provide areleasably attached grab handle, combined with an integrated cover thatmay provide one or more additional benefits, such as, for example,providing padding to the roll cage, protecting the releasable grabhandle attachments from the elements and/or the like.

Further, in some embodiments, the various systems, devices andimplements disclosed herein are designed to provide improved access andsecure stowage of tools and implements that a driver and/or otheroccupant of the vehicle may desire to have within a safe reach, whileseat-belted inside the vehicle (e.g., for safety reasons).

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a grab handle assembly 10configured for releasable attachment to a rollbar, a roll cage or otherexposed structure V of a vehicle. As shown, the handle assembly 10includes a grab handle 20 that is sized, shaped and otherwise configuredto be reached and grasped by an occupant of a vehicle. The handle 20 caninclude one or more flexible, rigid and/or semi-rigid materials, asdesired or required. For example and without limitation, the handle 20can comprise one or more of the following: leather, fabric, plastic,rubber, metals, alloys, other synthetic and/or natural materials and/orthe like.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the handle 20 can be secured to therollbar or other structure V of the vehicle using one or moreconnections. For example, in the illustrated configuration, the grabhandle 20 is secured to a rollbar V using two connectors 12. In someembodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the connectors 12 are secured to thegrab handle 20 using separate vertical members 22. However, in otherembodiments, the grab handle 20 is secured directly to the connectors 12(e.g., secured without the need for separate members or portions 22), asdesired or required.

As shown in FIG. 1, the grab handle assembly 10 can include connectors12 that comprise one or more components, features and/or otherconfigurations that are designed to secure the assembly 10 to therollbar or other vehicle structure V. For example, in some embodiments,the connectors 12 comprise hook and loop connectors that are configuredto fully (or at least partially) wrap around the rollbar or othervehicle structure V. In some configurations, such hook and loop featuresinclude corresponding portions that are configured to secure tothemselves (e.g., at least partially) in order to releasably secure theconnector to the vehicle. In other embodiments, one or more other typesof connectors can be used to secure the assembly 10 to the rollbar orother portion of a vehicle, such as, for example, buttons, snaps,zippers, other mechanical fasteners, laces, cords, adhesive strips,adhesives and/or the like, either in lieu of or in addition to hook andloop connectors, as desired or required.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a grab handleassembly 10′ that is configured to be removably secured to a rollbar orother internal structure V of a vehicle. The depicted assembly 10′ issimilar to the one described above with reference to FIG. 1. However,the grab handle assembly 10′ of FIG. 2 additionally includes a utilitycover assembly 16. In other arrangements, however, a cover assembly 16is not required at all or the assembly can be used without the coverassembly 16 (e.g., even if one is provided).

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the utility cover assembly 16 canalso include one or more attachment members, portions and/or features,such as, for example, hook and loop members 18 a, 18 b, buttons, otherfasteners and/or the like. In some embodiments, the cover assembly 16comprises openings 17 through which the grab handle 20 may pass.

The various embodiments disclosed herein permit a grab handle assemblyto be selectively secured to and removed from a rollbar or otherinternal or external structure of a vehicle (e.g., component or portionof a roll cage, other structural or non-structural member, etc.). Insome embodiments, the grab handle assembly can be repositioned accordingto the desired configuration of the driver or other occupant of thevehicle.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates another embodiment of an assembly 110configured to be secured to a rollbar or other structure V of a vehicle.As shown, the assembly 110 can comprise a grab handle 120 (e.g., similarto those discussed herein with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2). However, inany of the embodiments disclosed herein, an assembly need not include agrab handle. For example, in some arrangements, an assembly can includeone or more other features or components (e.g., utility cover, pouches,elastic fields, etc.), but no grab handles. In other embodiments, asillustrated in FIG. 3, an assembly 110 can include both a grab handleand one or more features or components (e.g., utility cover, pouches,elastic fields, etc.), as desired or required. Further, in any of theembodiments disclosed herein, an assembly can include more than one grabhandle (e.g., two, three, etc.) in accordance with a desired or requiredconfiguration.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the depicted assembly 110 comprisesa utility cover assembly 116 that wraps around (e.g., partially orcompletely) the rollbar or other vehicle structure V. As discussed withother arrangements herein, the cover assembly 116 can include hook andloop connectors to easily and reliably secure the cover assembly 116 inplace. However, any other type of connector can be used to attach thecover assembly 116 to the rollbar or other internal structure of avehicle, either in lieu of or in addition to hook and loop connectors.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a cover assembly 116 can be configured toreceive (e.g., removably or permanently) one or more other components,members and/or features. For example, the assembly 110 can comprise oneor more of the following that are removably or fixedly secured to thecover assembly 116: a utility pouch 140, an elastic band or field 150,an identification member (e.g., flag, medical identifier, etc.) and/orthe like. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the assembly 110comprises a utility pouch 140 and an elastic band or field 150. However,in other embodiments, more or fewer (or different) members, componentsor features can be secured to the cover assembly 116 and/or any otherportion of the overall assembly 110, as desired or required.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, one or more pouches, bandsor fields, other stowage/storage members and/or the like can beconfigured to be secured directly to a utility cover assembly 116.However, in other embodiments, such members, components and/or otherfeatures can be secured to another portion of the assembly. Thus, insome embodiments, utility and/or other pouches, bands or fields, membersare not attached to the utility cover assembly.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, utility pouches,stowage/storage members and/or other components 150, 160 are configuredto removably secure to the outside surface of the utility cover assembly116. Such members can secure to the cover assembly 116 using one or moreattachment devices or methods, such as, for example, hook and loopfasteners, buttons, zippers, other fasteners and/or the like. Thus, suchcomponents can be easily and conveniently attached and detached (e.g.,for removal, repositioning, etc.) according to the user's preferencesand desires. Such configurations apply to all embodiments disclosedherein and equivalents thereof.

The utility cover assembly, the pouches, bands or fields, otherstowage/storage members and/other any other portion of the assembliesdisclosed herein can comprise one or more durable materials, as desiredor required. For example, such components can include one or moreflexible, rigid and/or semi-rigid materials, such as, plastics, fabrics,rubber and/or other elastomeric materials, metals or alloys, othernatural or synthetic materials and/or the like. In some embodiments, thecover, the grab handle the pouches, stowage/storage members and/or otherportions of the assembly comprise nylon fabric (e.g., ballistic nylonfabric) and/or any other type of heavy-duty, durable fabric, as desiredor required.

The various pouches, stowage/storage members and the like disclosedherein can be configured to secure one or more different tools orimplements. For example, such features or members can be sized, shapedand otherwise adapted to hold flashlights, utility tools, cutting tools,pens and other writing instruments, mobile phones and other devices,wallets and the like. Accordingly, any of the pouches, stowage/storagedevices or members and/or the like can include pockets (closeable andopen pockets), elastic members, other tool or implement receivingrecesses or areas, etc., as desired or required.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of an assembly 110 that isconfigured to secure to a rollbar or other structure V of a vehicle.Like other assemblies disclosed herein, the assembly 110 comprises autility cover assembly 116 that wraps around (completely or partially)and secures to the rollbar or other vehicle structure V (e.g., rollbar,roll cage component, etc.). As shown, the assembly 110 comprises asingle hand grip assembly 120 that extends downwardly throughcorresponding openings in the cover assembly 116. In addition, theassembly 110 can include one or more pouches, stowage/storagecompartments or features 140, 150 and/or the like. Such members can beremovably secure (e.g., using hook and loop fasteners, other fasteners,etc.) to the utility cover assembly 116. In other embodiments, suchmembers can be permanently or semi-permanently secured to the coverassembly 116, as desired or required.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 and discussed in greater detail herein,the removable hand grip assembly 110 can include one or more hook andloop fields 160 that are configured to receive various pouches, stowageor storage members and other tool or implement receiving members.Further, the hook and loop fields 160 can advantageously provide areasto secure decorative or informative badges or other members. Forexample, in FIG. 5, the vehicle owner's blood type and a flag 170 a, 170b have been secured to the filed 160.

In other embodiments, any of the configurations disclosed herein neednot include a cover assembly that extends from one connector to theother. Thus, the cover assembly can be smaller than the configurationsillustrated and discussed herein. The function of the cover assembly(e.g., to permit pouches, badges, etc.) to be removably or permanentlysecured thereto is not altered by such a modified design. Such designsare also covered by this application. It should also be understood thatany of the assemblies disclosed herein can include more or fewerconnectors to a rollbar or other vehicle structure. For example, anassembly can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more connectors, as desired orrequired.

Although several embodiments and examples are disclosed herein, thepresent application extends beyond the specifically disclosedembodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the variousinventions and modifications, and/or equivalents thereof. It is alsocontemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of thespecific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and stillfall within the scope of the inventions. Accordingly, various featuresand aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with orsubstituted for one another in order to form varying modes of thedisclosed inventions. Thus, the scope of the various inventionsdisclosed herein should not be limited by any particular embodimentsdescribed above. While the embodiments disclosed herein are susceptibleto various modifications, and alternative forms, specific examplesthereof have been shown in the drawings and are described in detailherein. However, the inventions of the present application are notlimited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but, to thecontrary, cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives fallingwithin the spirit and scope of the various embodiments described and theappended claims. Further, the disclosure herein of any particularfeature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute,element and/or the like in connection with an implementation orembodiment can be used in all other implementations or embodiments setforth herein.

In any methods disclosed herein, the acts or operations can be performedin any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to anyparticular disclosed sequence and not be performed in the order recited.Various operations can be described as multiple discrete operations inturn, in a manner that can be helpful in understanding certainembodiments; however, the order of description should not be construedto imply that these operations are order dependent. Additionally, anystructures described herein can be embodied as integrated components oras separate components. For purposes of comparing various embodiments,certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Notnecessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by anyparticular embodiment. Thus, for example, embodiments can be carried outin a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group ofadvantages without necessarily achieving other advantages or groups ofadvantages.

The methods disclosed herein include certain actions taken by apractitioner; however, they can also include any third-party instructionof those actions, either expressly or by implication. The rangesdisclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap, sub-ranges, andcombinations thereof. Language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greaterthan,” “less than,” “between,” and the like includes the number recited.Numbers preceded by a term such as “about” or “approximately” includethe recited numbers and should be interpreted based on the circumstances(e.g., as accurate as reasonably possible under the circumstances, forexample ±5%, ±10%, ±15%, etc.). For example, “about 1 mm” includes “1mm.” Phrases preceded by a term such as “substantially” include therecited phrase and should be interpreted based on the circumstances(e.g., as much as reasonably possible under the circumstances). Forexample, “substantially rigid” includes “rigid,” and “substantiallyparallel” includes “parallel.”

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly configured to be removably secured toan exposed structural component of a vehicle, comprising: a coverassembly configured to secure to the exposed structural component of thevehicle; a hand grip configured to pass through at least a portion ofthe cover assembly and hang below the cover assembly, wherein the handgrip is configured to be grasped by a user; and at least onetool-receiving member configured to secure to the cover assembly;wherein the cover assembly is configured to at least partially wraparound the exposed structural component and is configured to at leastpartially shield the hand grip.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein thecover assembly comprises a hook and loop portion for securing to theexposed structural component of the vehicle.
 3. A system comprising: areleasably attached grab handle; and a releasably attached main coverthat generally covers an area of the exposed vehicle component that isadjacent to and within reach of an occupant of the vehicle, wherein themain cover comprises at least one opening through which the grab handlepasses; wherein the main cover is configured to at least partially wraparound the exposed vehicle component and is configured to cover at leasta portion of the grab handle.